Covelo Man in County Jail After Firing Shotgun at Parents’ Home, Says MCSO

On 03-09-2021 at about 3:28 PM the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a subject, later identified as Randy Maple, walking around a property in the 76000 block of Henderson Lane in Covelo, California.

The caller advised Maple was armed with a shotgun and had discharged it numerous times. While responding to the location a Round Valley Tribal Officer was able to observe Maple from a distance and also provided updates to the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon Sheriff’s Deputies arrival Maple turned towards the Deputy and discharged the shotgun into the air.  Maple attempted to reload the shotgun but was detained prior to being able to reload the firearm.

Maple was found to be in possession of a single shot shotgun, with a pistol grip and an 18.5″ barrel. A records check on Maple revealed he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Maple also appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance during this event.

During the investigation, Sheriff’s Deputies learned Maple entered the residence of an elderly couple (his parents) and took the shotgun and ammunition from a rear bedroom.

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Maple argued with the residents and then exited the house and then shot one time through the front door. The pellets went through the door and impacted a wall inside the residence in close proximity to the occupants.

Maple also shot a gate which was on the deck of the residence. On the property, Sheriff’s Deputies located more recently spent shotgun shells.

Maple was arrested for shooting into an inhabited dwelling (246 PC), Elder Abuse (368 PC), Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (29800(A)(1) PC), Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person (30305 PC) and possessing a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance (11550(E) HS).

Maple was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $100,000.00 bail.